Display unit

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an assembly for mounting a display item ( 17 ). The assembly comprises a sheet element ( 2 ) and at least one elongate member ( 5   b ). The at least one elongate member is attached to the edge of the sheet element at first and second points. In use, the at least one elongate member retains the display item in position.

The present invention relates generally to an assembly for mounting adisplay item. More particularly, the present invention relates to anassembly for mounting a picture or photograph.

Most frames are made of flange elements assembled with fixings toenclose the screen and displayed material. Known “clip frames” replacethe flanges with clips A recent patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,828 makesthe entire frame into a bowed clip mechanism, mainly for table top use.This involves the planar element (display screen) being an integralstructural element.

Other designs include flexible hooped frame elements, inflexible hoopswith slots for the corners of flexible display items, curved panels withelastic or rubberised ties, and a seemingly traditional frame with aspring loaded corner junction.

As with the above systems the proposed invention at least in preferredembodiments is intended to be inexpensive, being suitable for flatpacking, self-assembly, and capable of being made from inexpensivematerials. It can be used to display photos prints certificates etc., aswell as clocks, mirrors, “windows”, screens, lamps, or electronicdisplays. The present invention potentially has a one piece cut-outframe unit or even no frame at all.

Three dimensional multiple versions can be obviously adapted to formlamps, screens, boxes and many other entities.

It is intended that the displayed item be smaller than the displayscreen leaving a transparent margin exposing the structural mechanism,and so allowing flexibility of size.

Viewed from a first aspect the present invention provides an assemblyfor mounting a display item, the assembly comprising a sheet element andat least one elongate member, the at least one elongate member beingattached to the edge of the sheet element at first and second points;wherein, in use, the at least one elongate member retains the displayitem in position.

As the display item is retained in position by elongate members, atleast in preferred embodiments, the display item is accessible even whenthe elongate members are attached to the sheet element. Thus, thedisplay item may be accessed and adjustments to its position, relativeto the sheet element, made. The display item is typically a picture orphotograph.

The first and second points along the edge of the sheet element arepreferably at opposed corners of the sheet element. Most preferably thefirst and second points are at diametrically opposed corners of thesheet element. This arrangement provides particularly good support forthe sheet element. The support of the display item may also be improvedin this arrangement.

A plurality of elongate elements are preferably provided and,preferably, at least two of said elongate elements cross each other. Theprovision of additional elongate elements may provide additional supportfor the display item.

In a first arrangement, the at least one elongate member is a flexiblestrap. The at least one flexible strap is preferably made of a plasticsmaterial such as polypropylene.

At least one end of the at least one strap is preferably provided withan opening for receiving a corner of the sheet element to attach theelongate element to the edge of the sheet element. This provides asimple and effective means for attaching the strap to the sheet element.

Alternatively, at least one end of each strap may be provided with anattachment device for attaching the strap to the edge of the sheetelement. The attachment device may be an “L” or “U” shaped bracketlocatable on an edge of the sheet element. The attachment device may bea hoop or “O” shaped member for attachment to the corner of the sheetelement.

Preferably the at least one strap is twisted along its length. This mayincrease the force applied to the display item biassing it towards thesheet element and thereby improving its retention in the assembly.

In a further alternative arrangement the assembly may comprise a frameelement extending around the circumference of the sheet element. Anaperture is preferably formed in the frame element. The sheet element ispreferably located in said aperture. Preferably, the aperture is sizedto match the sheet element or is slightly bigger than the sheet elementso as to leave a (preferably uniform) gap around the sheet element.

The attachment of the sheet element to the at least one elongate memberpreferably locates the sheet element relative to the frame element. In apreferred embodiment, at least one elongate member extends in front ofthe sheet element and at least one elongate member extends behind saidsheet element to trap the sheet element in position.

At least one mounting element may be located on at least one of theelongate members. The mounting element preferably engages an edge of thesheet element to attach it to the elongate member. Preferably, eachmounting element has an opening provided therein through which anassociated elongate member extends. The sheet element is preferably alsolocated in the opening provided in each mounting element also to attachthe sheet element to the elongate member. The elongate member(s) and/orsheet member located in said opening are preferably a tight fit toprevent the sheet member inadvertently being detached.

The mounting element is preferably rotatable about an axis perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the elongate member to facilitate attachmentof the sheet element to the elongate member.

The mounting element is preferably a hoop or a hollow truncated cone.The mounting element may simply be a metal washer.

A recess is preferably provided in the frame element to accommodate eachmounting element. Advantageously the recess may also help to prevent themounting element being displaced accidentally causing the sheet elementto be detached from the elongate member.

The frame element preferably restrains the sheet element on at least twosides. The at least two sides are preferably parallel.

The sheet element is preferably co-planar with the frame element.

The elongate members may be made of any suitable flexible material.Preferably, however, the elongate member is made of wood or plasticsmaterial. The elongate member may be hollow, i.e. tubular, but ispreferably solid. The elongate member is preferably a strut, e.g. a bar,rod or other suitable brace.

Preferably, a plurality of elongate members are provided.

The display item is preferably located between the sheet element and theelongate members.

The display item may be formed integrally with the sheet element, forexample to form a mirror, a clock or the like. Furthermore, a light maybe provided behind the sheet element. In plan form the sheet element mayby a polygon, a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse or any other desiredshape.

Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides an assemblycomprising a frame element, a sheet element and a plurality of elongatemembers, each elongate member being attached to the edge of the sheetelement at first and second points; wherein at least one elongate memberextends in front of said frame element and at least one elongate memberextends behind said frame element to mount said sheet element in saidframe element.

Viewed from a still further aspect the present invention provides anassembly for mounting a display item, the assembly comprising a sheetelement and a retaining member, the display item being locatable betweenthe sheet element and the retaining member; wherein, in use, theretaining item is attached to the corners of the sheet element to retainthe display item in position.

The sheet element described herein is preferably transparent. The sheetelement is preferably substantially inflexible.

The assembly described herein is preferably provided with a standelement for supporting the display frame on a horizontal surface.

The present invention also related to a kit of parts for making anassembly as described herein. The display item is not necessarilyincluded with the kit.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides an assemblycomprising a frame element, a sheet element and at least one elongatemember, wherein said at least one elongate member extends across thefront of the sheet member to retain the sheet member in positionrelative to said frame element. The sheet element is thereby mounted onthe frame element by the at least one elongate member. The at least oneelongate member may each be inserted through two holes provided in theframe member on opposed sides of the sheet element to retain it inposition. Preferably, if the sheet element is a polygon, an elongatemember extends across each corner of the sheet element.

Viewed from a yet still further aspect, the present invention provides ademountable assembly such that a flat or curved, generally rigid andrectangular planar element can be contained by the interaction andinter-penetration of only holed or linear element(s), and where saidholed elements do not actively clamp the planar element and where thelinear elements are not attached to the planar element by means ofintegral or separate pre-formed “hooks”, (as capable of hooking onto theside edge of a planar element) but where the linear elements may befinished with toggles and may be prepared with holes (or “integralhoops”), or have holed “L” shaped elements attached, to be penetrated byother elements as required, including the corners of the planar element,and where, (being made from suitable materials) the natural tendency ofthe linear elements to recover from forcible deformation is useddirectly and/or indirectly to maintain the structural integrity of theassembly.

Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention provides ademountable assembly comprising, generally rectangular stiff, rigid,planar element which is neither holed or otherwise adapted, beingreleasably attached to, at least one, linear support element capable ofbeing forcibly deformed and naturally returning to its original form andwhere said linear support element(s) is deformed and stressed in orderto be secured within the assembly, and where the mutual attachment ofthe planar element and the linear element(s) is achieved by means ofeither one, or both said planar and linear elements being located withinhoops which are integral to the linear elements or separate and ineither case they may supported by one or more other demountableelements, and where the points of attachment of the linear element(s) tothe planar element are on opposing edges or corners of said planarelement as necessary for the stressed attachments to be secure.

The planar element is preferably generally transparent and where thepressure applied to said display screen by the stressing of the linearsupport element(s) is used to hold an item in place against the planarelement so that the ensemble becomes a display system comprising,display screen, display item and linear support element(s).

An intermediary backing sheet or panel, generally equal in size orsmaller than the display screen may be installed behind the displayitem, and between the primary linear elements and the display screen.

The backing element preferably interacts with the primary linearelements to increase the pressure applied to the rear of the displayscreen.

The primary linear support elements may be integral to their means ofattachment.

The primary linear element(s) may be deformed by twisting and, beingmade of a material which will naturally attempt to return to itsundeformed state, is attached to two diagonally opposing corners of thedisplay screen by means the corners of said display screen beinginserted into holes in opposite ends of the linear element and wherevarious other elements including lugs or suckers may be optionally addedfor extra security, as demountable attachments.

The hooped means of attachment to the corners of the planar element isprovided by a hole in an “L” shaped element (which is not capable ofattaching to a flat side of the display unit).

A frame element may be provided as a means of giving support to theseparate hooped attachment elements and where the primary linearelements function as a pair on the rear of the display screen passingthrough the hooped elements and bearing onto the rear of the frameelement being held in place if parallel to the edges of the displayscreen by being flexed to pass squarely into the angled opening of thehoop and being locked in a position where the effectively smalleropening in relation to the angle of the linear element causes it to biteon said linear element and where the linear support elements cross overdiagonally (as generally at the rear) the resulting flexure will trapthe one nearest the display unit and cause the other to “bitten” by itshooped attachments and where similarly located parallel linear elementsare deployed on the front of the display screen with their ends bearingonto the frame element so that said frame element, the means ofattachment, and the display unit are all trapped within the assembly.

The hooped elements are preferably placed in between the frame elementand the display screen so that they and the linear support elementswhich they hold are prevented from sliding in relation to the frameelement by using a corrugated frame element which will block saidmovement of at least one pair of linear support elements deployedparallel to the said corrugations.

The primary linear support structure is preferably attached to the frameelement by means of being inserted, from the rear, into holes in themain plane of the frame element and being thus attached cause a flexiblyresponsive frame element to bow forwards, into a generally convex form,so that it supports the front section of the hooped elements, and sothat the secondary linear elements which would otherwise lock into thefront sections of the hoops are not required.

Alternatively, the primary linear support structure may be attached tothe frame element by means of being inserted, from the front, into holesin the main plane of the frame element and being thus attached causing aflexibly responsive frame element to bow backwards, into a generallyconcave form, so that it does not support the front section of thehooped elements which are located on the corners of the display screen,(and partially supported by the frame element) and so that the secondarylinear elements are required to lock into the front sections of thehoops and so prevent said hoops from rotating off the corners of thedisplay screen, but they are not required, in this embodiment, as ameans of blocking the frame element in place.

In a further alternative, the primary linear support structure may beattached to the frame element by being prepared with a slot at each endwhich will accept the edge of the frame element, or where the frameelement is prepared with a sot in the inside edge of the window apertureso that a “slidable” attachment is formed so that the linear supportstructure is anchored on the corners by passing through hooped elementsinto which the corners of the display screen are also inserted toprevent the linear support elements from sliding.

In a still further alternative the primary linear support structure maybe attached to the inside edge of the aperture of the frame element, bymeans of being located in holes recesses, slots, cavities in thestructure, or similar, (such as a plastic fluted hollow core materialknown as “Corex”) so that the secondary linear elements are required tolock the front sections of said hoops in position, (but not as blockingelements to trap the frame element) and so the display unit can be setforwards of the frame element and the hoops being located on the cornersof the display unit are able to be adequately supported by contact withthe inner edge of the frame element and this contact can be made, forinstance at two points (so movement around the corner of the displayunit will be resisted by either a vertical or horizontal surface) whenthe corner hooped element is sited in a parallel sided gap between theplanar element and the inner edge of a rectangular window aperture inthe frame element, (or other shape that provides adequate bearing).

The dimensioning of the display elements and the primary rear supportelements in relation to the hooped elements is preferably such that thehooped element cannot rotate off the corners of the display unit whilstsaid display unit is held in a forwards position in relation to thecontact between the hooped element and the rear of the primary linearsupport element so that the arc of rotation is interrupted by the angledsection of a frame element with angled corners in the shape of thewindow aperture and subsequent rotation about this point as a fulcrumwill be a shorter radius and will not pass the corner of the displayunit; but the hoop will rotate past the corner of the display unit, forthe purposes of assembly and demounting by means of the application of aforce to bring the rear linear support element closer to the displayunit.

A flat planar item such as a photograph, may be inserted to be clampedby other elements behind the planar element/display screen by sidingsaid item into any of four “open” sides, providing the width the openingbetween the points of attachment is big enough.

The linear elements may be made from significantly rubberized or elasticmaterials so that with obvious adaptions to the versions described thelinear elements may be tensioned and optionally amalgamated into one ormore linear support elements, capable if taut enough, of performing thesame blocking role in respect of other elements, in the same positionsas is usual for the linear elements.

The assembly may be adapted for mounting on a vertical surface. Theassembly is preferably adapted so that the planar element/display screenis parallel to the vertical surface.

Alternatively, the assembly may be adapted so that it stands generallyupright on a horizontal surface. The assembly is preferablyself-supporting on a horizontal surface, without need for a strut.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described byway of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show the flexible straps for retaining a display itemin position in a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show a side and rear view of the first embodiment ofthe present invention with the flexible straps showing FIGS. 1 a and 1 bin position;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show rear and side views of a free standing version ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show front and rear views of a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a modified version of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4and 5 adapted to be hung on a wall;

FIG. 8 shows a free standing version of the second embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 9 shows a modified version of the second embodiment shown in FIGS.4 and 5 having an adapted corner support member;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a third embodiment of the present invention havingholes in a frame element to receive the diagonally extending elongatemembers;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show wall hanging and free standing versionsrespectively of the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show front and rear views of a further modifiedarrangement of the third embodiment of the present invention for hangingon a wall;

FIGS. 16 and 17 show plan and side views of a further modified versionof the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention having hollowtruncated cone members to retain the sheet element in position;

FIG. 19 shows a cross section through one of the hollow truncated conemembers used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional view of a corner mounted hoop retainingmember of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in first andsecond positions;

FIG. 21 shows a horizontal cross sectional view through the fifthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows a rear view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 shows a side view of a free standing version of the fifthembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 24 and 25 show the rear view of alternative arrangements of thesecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention havingretaining members integrally formed from the frame element;

FIG. 27 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 28 to 32 show alternative arrangements (a) and (b) of an eighthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 shows a rear landscape view of an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 34 shows a further view of the eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 35 shows a rear view of a free standing version of the eighthembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 36 shows a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 35.

As shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 2 a and 2 b, a display unit 1 comprises aplanar element 2, made of a generally stiff, resilient or rigid material(and generally transparent to function as a display screen) and normallytwo (but at least one) primary stressed structural member(s) 5 b heldbetween hooped points of contact with, normally, all four (at least twoopposing) corners of the planar element(s) (which may comprise more thanone similar element), so that their attempt to regain an unstressed formrenders them secure.

By reducing the frame to a harness which engages the corners of thedisplay screen 2, the appearance is comparable to the known“clip-frame”. As this frame uses diagonal tensioning between corners tohold the display screen, a backing board (which has a structuralfunction in clip-frames) is no longer required. A backing sheet may beused for protection or decorative reasons. The twisting of the straps 5b to create tension also applies pressure to the back of a display item17 holding it in place against the screen. Importantly, it also givesspace for a wall pin to engage with the central hanging hole 10 so thatthe ensemble hangs parallel to the wall from its centre of gravity.

The system is easily adapted to make a table-top version, as shown inFIGS. 3 a and 3 b. An “L” shaped strut 19 is provided which is attachedat the bottom end by means of a sucker 21 to the margin of the displayscreen 2, while the upper end locates in the hanging hole (or sits inthe cleft under the two straps). In the preferred version the strut 19is made from plastic tubing with a concertina joint. A drinking-straw,trimmed as necessary, is suitable for this purpose and can be tightlyfitted to the sucker 21 by wetting. The sucker used has a nipple whichhelps to secure the connection, and glue may also be applied. A “V” cutin the top of the tube enables it to rest in the hanging hole withoutpenetrating further but other cuts such as a vertical slot in the tubework well as the tube can then be squeezed into place.

Polypropylene is considered the mst suitable material for the straps 5 band twisting by 720 degrees is preferred though 360 is also possible.Ideally the straps should be twisted in opposite directions to achievevisual symmetry as shown in FIG. 2 b, though this is not a functionalrequirement. Glass is not considered to be appropriate for the displayscreen for safety reasons (unless safety glass), so “perspex” or similaris preferred.

Proposed safety enhancements are in the form of hemispherical beads atthe corners of the display screen 2 to help stop the straps 5 b frombeing accidentally pushed off. These could be spheres located, e.g.adhered, within a hemispherical socket. Also the straps 5 b can beinconspicuously glued to the thin edges of the display screen 2 as anextra precaution. Further attachments could be added to the corners toact as buffers in case of accident.

A version of the display unit 1 for mounting on glazed or shiny surfacesis achieved by suckers being located in extra holes 10 b, 10 c in thestraps or a larger sucker in the central hanging hole 10. A lighterweight version is proposed for use on fridge doors due to the dynamicloads in this instance. The standard version may have the extra holes 10b, 10 c to meet this possibility. The display unit 1 is designed toaccommodate decorative margin strips held in place as the displayedmaterial itself is, by twists in the straps 5 b, or equally to beadapted to a “sandwich” form where the displayed material is protectedby a backing sheet or board (which may also be transparent and need notbe as big as the display screen or have rectangular edges.) It is clearthat the system achieves minimal functionality with only one diagonaltensioned strap 5 b but this is not the preferred version.

Though not necessary for structural stability, other elements, such assuckers for instance, can be added for extra functional security, withregard to applied forces, in the case of the hoops being integral to thestressed primary members 5 b. If the hooped (or otherwise holedelements) 31 are separate from the primary members then other elementsand/or mechanisms are necessarily attached to render said hoopedelements 31 stable.

Foremost of these is the frame element 33 which prevents the hoops 31from sliding off but this in turn needs to be secured by the extensionof the primary members 27,29 to overlap the frame element 33 and byanother pair of structural members 23,25 on the opposite side of theassembly, also over-lapping the frame element 33, (and acting as boltswith respect to possible rotation of the hoop elements 31) or by meansof the primary members 56 being attached to the frame element 33directly by various means with different versions arising from the meansof (demountable) attachment used.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 does not use a framing element 33,achieving the above functions, by means of two twisted straps ofresilient material 5 b, with integral holes provided, to enable thesestraps 5 b to be pulled onto the corners of the display screen 2.

The attachment of the integral hoops is vulnerable to removal by appliedforce and is also subject to the torsional stress in the strap 5 bcompounded by local stress as the strap 5 b is pulled over the corner ofthe display screen. The addition of suckers placed under the straps 5 b,next to the corner, will itself be secured (as suckers alone were foundto be unreliable) and control the stress on the strap 5 b at the cornerand be present a means of attachment for other elements such as stiffhoops or frame elements to reduce vulnerability of the connections ofthe main members at the at the corners. In fact the resilience ofsuckers (with a “nipple” top) means that stiff hoops may be attached andlocated on the corners of the display screen as the primary, or only,means of attachment. Leverage upwards on the “nipple” will tend todislodge the sucker which needs to be resisted by the means ofconnecting to elements anchored in their relative position by means ofthe planar element. Though the sucker's prime function is to enable ahoop to attach to the display screen 2 at an angle without suction,would be effective The resilience which is characteristic of the suckerscan alternatively be provided by other element(s) in the assembly, sinceit is required as the means of attachment to “close” the assembly overthe display screen 2 which can itself be the resilient element.

Multiples can be made, for example, by linking rods penetrating slots orholes in the rear straps 5 b to produce a locating torsion to resistgravity.

A demountable scaffold and framing structure capable of supporting thenecessary functional elements may be provided to operate as a displayframe. The prime task is to support a generally rectangular planarelement or “display screen” 2, but the invention is a structural systemwith potentially wider applications.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-9 uses a planar frame element 33. Thedisplay screen 2 is held in place by means of rods 23,25,27,29, or otherlinear elements such as ties, which pass through “hoops” 31, in fact inthe form of standard washers, which are placed between the displayscreen 2 and the frame element 33 such that the rod ends bear on thefront and rear surfaces of the frame element 33. The rods 23,25,27,29may be vertical or horizontal and in the case of the rear rods 27,29also diagonal as is generally the case but can also be the same as thefront rods 23,25 to align with decorative corrugations in the frameelement 33. Rear rods 27,29 can support/attach to a decorative sheathfolded around the main frame element 33 as shown in the drawings. Thisfolded sheath form can also replace the frame element 33.

The rear rods 27,29 are placed diagonally in order to be effective,partially owing to their crossover, in applying pressure to the rear forlocation of the display item 17, but may also be parallel. The flexureof the rear rods 27,29, possibly over or through a backing panel,visible/decorative or otherwise, serves to keep them in place, whilst apair of front rods 23,25 is flexed for insertion into the hoops' 31maximum “face on” radius to be gripped by the smaller radius presentedby the hoop when the rods 23,25 are in place parallel to the edges ofthe display screen 2. Hoops 31 need not be diagonally holding thedisplay screen 2 but may be restrained from lateral or vertical movementby the rods 23,25,27,29 in them being blocked by meeting corrugations orobstacles in the frame element 33. However, the preferred position forthe hoops 31 is at the corners where they also hold the corners ofdisplay screen 2 within their openings.

The frame element 33 can prevent movement of the rods 23,25,27,29 simplyby an all around gap between the display screen 2 and the frame element33 being the minimum necessary to accommodate the rims of the hoops 31so that they cannot rotate, since one rim will be blocked by the frameelement 33.

Other arrangements are possible providing only that the hoops 31 aresupported. The preferred version uses an angled internal corner to theframe element 33. The outer edge is open to variation and the plane ofthe frame element 33 may be distorted or curved for decorative orfunctional reasons, such as being free standing. A strut can be providedat the rear and adaptations for hanging as shown in the drawings.

A disadvantage of this basic version is that the assembly is unstableduring construction; this is mitigated by using elastic bands pulledaround the frame element and other elements. In response to thisconsideration subsequent versions were developed. The common feature ofthese versions is that at least one pair of rods, generally at the rear,is attached to the frame element thus creating a “jig”.

Shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a demountable scaffold structure 22 such thatone pair of parallel rods 23,25 is held in place with another pair ofrods 27,29 at 90 degrees or 45 degrees to the first pair of rods 23,25by four rigid hoops 31 whose internal diameter is gauged to accommodatetwo such rods or two such rods and an intermediate planar element(s),such as the display screen 2. The construction is stable except that thehoops 31 can rotate to a position where they do not hold the elements.The hoops 31 preferably rotate about an axis parallel with the plane ofthe display screen 2. More preferably, the axis of rotation of the hoops31 is in the plane of the display screen 2.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 the rods 23,25,27,29 are slidinto position to enable their extended ends to be used to securelysandwich a framing element 33 located within the bearing area under therod ends and dimensioned to fit the planar element and/or the limitdefined by the hoops 31; the hoops 31 are thus held in position by theframing element 33.

Furthermore, since the sliding action of the rods 23,25,27,29 is easierin a direction at 90 degrees to the hoops 31 as their effective aperturesize is greater when not reduced by the thickness of the hoops 31impacting at 45 degrees; (optionally) flexing the rods 23,25,27,29 intoposition thus results in a spring locking mechanism, so that orthogonalrods 23,25 will not simply slide out and so reducing the necessarybearing.

As shown in FIG. 9, the elongate member may extend inwardly from theframe element 33 and need not extend fully across the planar element.Rather the elongate member extends inwardly sufficiently only to supportthe corners of the display item.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10 to 17. In this embodiment onepair of rods 27,29 is attached to the framing element 33, by slidinginto holes in said framing element 33 so as to curve the frame elementaway from the bearing points to make a free standing, or decorativestructure. Curving of the frame elements 33, partly caused by the angledpenetration of the rods 27,29, can be augmented by elasticated hoops 18located to span vertically between the extended ends of the diagonalrods 27,29 on the rear, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. It is importantthat the hoops 31 are also supported on the front by rods 23,25 lockedinto them, since they are only partially supported at the rear. Theoverall effect is thus concave.

A hanging hole 10 can be provided in the upper flange and as shown inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 can be concealed within thenaturally occurring gap behind the decorative sheath, and the sameapplies for a hole or tongue in the bottom flange to take one end of atubular “L” shaped strut for table-top use. This strut 19 can be atrimmed drinking straw, also adapted at the other end, to engage thecleft between the rear rods 27,29.

Being of light weight the invention is suited to adaption by means ofsuckers attached in holes or in the gap between framing element 33 anddisplay screen 2, facing forwards or back, to mount on appropriatesurfaces.

The system can be extended to make multiples, vertically, horizontally,and in combination.

Self-assembly for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 can be asfollows:

The rear diagonal rods 27,29, are inserted diagonally into the holes 35,in the backing sheet 37, to form a unit.

The decorative sheath, and framing element 33, are placed together. Therod ends are then placed in the corresponding holes, in the decorativesheath, and frame element 33, with hoops 31, already attached to eachone. The flaps, of the decorative sheath are folded back into place,with the inner flap under the outer flap, and they are held in pace bybeing under the ends of the rear diagonal rods. This unit is secured byelasticated elements 18 looped around the vertical pairs of rod ends.

The display screen 2, is placed in the frame aperture. The hoops 31, areplaced on the corners of the display screen 2 where they are partiallyrestrained by the frame element 33. The front rods 23,25 are located inone hoop 31 by sliding directly towards the hoop 31 and the flexed tomeet the second hoop and carefully eased into the hoop in a straightform, in the orthogonal position, (vertically as a matter ofpreference.)

The displayed material, can be slid into place under the backing sheet37, optionally leaving a transparent margin.

A rear support strut 19, can be attached for table top use, or suckerscan be added if required.

All versions can be adapted with elasticated (finished with toggles),part elasticated or other taut flexible linear elements performing theblocking function normally taken by the rods. Such tautness can beachieved by for instance twisting bands of resilient or flexiblematerial, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Other means are also possible.Flexibility of rod elements is desirable but not essential. Theprototypes use boxwood of square section. Other sections are possible.

Tongue extensions of the frame element 33 are also possible adaptivemeans of securing the hoops 31 by being placed in said hoops 31. Thehoops may be custom or standard metal washer form.

The frame element 33 may be of multi-hole construction or latticestructure as a means of providing holes for rods 23,25,17,29. It can bemade of rigid, stiff, or flexible materials, including plastics andfoams. The outside edge can be of any configuration. It can also deformin the third dimension providing necessary bearing points have been met.

The decorative sheath can be any sheet material but if corrugated willfold over edges in a restricted way that will also restrict deformationsof the frame element in a generally desirable way.

The shape of the cut-out frame aperture is designed to meet the outsideedges of the display unit 1 and/or the attached washers.

The proportions and scale of the invention are open variables.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. As an alternative tothe locking action of the front rods 23,25 a custom hoop 39 can bedesigned in the form of a cone (with normal base and located as usual)so that resistance offered by the rear of the cone against the framingelement 33 will prevent it from becoming dysfunctional, by rotatingabout its diameter. It can also be customised to incorporate the rods27,29 located in it, if made of resilient plastic material. The form isotherwise similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 17.

The role of the front rods can be taken by the framing element 33 beingin a forward position to support the critical side of the hoop,providing again that the rear rods 27,29 are located in holes 41 in theframing element 33 (or otherwise affixed.) The overall effect is thusconvex.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-19 the frame element 33 providedwith holes or recesses into which the rods 23,25,27,29, with hoops 31attached, are located, by sliding, or flexing in the case of recesses.The hoops 31 are then placed over the corners of the display screen 2,and front rods 23,25 can be inserted to function as bolts. Depending onwhether the rods penetrate the frame element 33 from the rear or frontthe frame will be subjected to pressure to become concave or convex.

Custom hoops 39 can be used to ensure they are still supported by theframe element 33 (in spite of curvature), and so the front rods are notrequired.

In terms of the structures meeting the requirements of display framespreferred embodiments comprising planar element 2, should be generallyrectangular and generally transparent to function as a display screen 2,a backing sheet 7, can be provided either the full size of the displayscreen 2, also held in the hoops or smaller, supported by rear rods, andif attached onto said rods by means of holes in the backing sheet 37then it can also apply dynamic pressure to the displayed material.

A decorative sheath 11, can be placed on and folded around the frameelement 1, such that its folds are held on by the scaffold rods 4,5.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 20 which involves the rear pressuresupplied by “rear” mounted structural members to also maintain hoops 31in a forward position where they will not simply rotate off the cornersof the planar element 2, (since the frame element 33 provides a fulcrum)while the frame element's connection to the rear support structure alsoprevents the hoops 31 from sliding off the corners of the planar element2 completely. This extra mechanism replaces the front bolting members asfeatured in other versions (or renders them optional). Other means canbe found to maximise the pressure provided by the rear support memberssuch as both passing over a rear backing panel/packing element, andpre-forming them into a curved shape which has to be stressed into aflatter mode to fit into the hoops at both ends. The mechanism canoperate with pressure from any source including deformations due topre-stressing, wedges and so on.

The present invention uses a one piece frame element 33 capable ofrestraining the display screen 2 on at least two parallel sides, (atleast in the forwards direction relative to the frame element), and usesrods on the other side (ie. normally the rear) to block backwardmovement since the rod ends are located in holes in the structure of theframe element 33. The frame element 33 could be drilled to provide theseholes but using a linear box structure such as the polypropylene sheetknown as “Corex” provides integral hollow tubes into which the rods canbe inserted. In fact instead of two parallel rods being used fourshorter lengths as “pegs” could be used also pressing the display screen2 forward onto the frame (specifically the forward flap on the insideedge of the frame aperture), but this is not preferred. Either rods (orpegs) thus provide pressure to secure the displayed material against thedisplay screen 2.

Equally, these rods can be placed diagonally, such that their ends arestill located in the flutes of the “Corex”, in the corners of the windowaperture. This requires that the rods are resiliently flexible so thatthey can be flexed to fit, and restraighten into the fixed position.Non-resilient flexing also works but is not preferred.

Using Corex also provides a simple way of locating the display screen 2within the frame aperture since a grooved slot can be achieved on twoparallel edges of the window aperture so that the display screen 2 canbe inserted. The alternative is to angle cut the window edge in a solidmaterial.

This requires either some elasticity in the material (which is limitedin Corex as found) and/or a bendable display screen 2, and/or that thesides of the groove are designed as resiliently flexible flaps. So tomake for easier access for a stiff display screen 2, at least one or twoends of the flap sides of the groove are cut away so widening the windowaperture to form an access slot, (i.e. so that the aperture form narrowsto form the grooves). The display screen 2 can thus be inserted in aparallel motion. Depending on tolerances in the relative thicknesses ofthe display screen 2 and the depth of the groove flexible plastic glassfurther helps in feeding the display screen 2 into the combined slotcreated by both sides of the framing element 33 acting together.

The access slot can be expressed as a void at the top and bottom of thedisplay screen 2, as in the illustrated version and the rods can be usedto secure decorative components exposed contained within the slot, e.g.coloured twisted ribbon elements or rods can be fitted into the grooveso that their ends are held by the flaps. The shape of the displayscreen 2 itself, given a square as the display area will be a rectangle,ie. to achieve the bearing overlap.

However, a resiliently flexible display screen 2, can be flexed so thatit can be inserted directly into the window aperture which can be asimple rectangle without need for the widened section described above.The window aperture is cut into the Corex so that two opposite sides ofthe opening provide grooves in the remainder of the flute structure,into which the display screen 2 is inserted.

Thus the preferred embodiment of the invention uses diagonally deployedrods 27,29 at the rear and a simply parallel sided window aperture.

Slotting edge flutes by cutting one face of the Corex material enables arod of approximately equal diameter to the flute width to be more easilyinserted into the flutes. This detail is used to create “feet andfinials” at the corners of the frame and causes the edges to curveforwards (or backwards if so deployed). A similar detail in a fold outflap in the bottom of a Corex backing panel can be used to accommodate ashorter central rod (with an optionally angled lower end) so that itforms a rear support for table-top use. The thickness of the Corexbacking sheet serves to engage both rear diagonal rods in applyingpressure but diagonal slots in the backing sheet will alleviate somepressure and help to keep the backing sheet in the right position.

An optional empty margin around the displayed material visually exposesthe diagonal rods and allows for larger material to be displayed withinthe same frame. This margin can be cut out to form a smaller additionalframe element 33 operating in the same way. It is envisaged thatmultiple units can be made by extension of the orthogonal edge rods forboth sizes of frame created by the above cut out process; the smallerframes being preferred.

Alternatively the central cut-out section can be left in place andoptionally rotated in a square version to provide a decorative effector, if dimensioned to fit tightly into the window aperture to functionas an alternative to the structure provided by the rods, i.e. thevertical and horizontal dimensions of the cut-out panel/aperture shouldbe slightly different so that when rotated the fit is imperfect, or cutsin the panel so it can be opened up to marginally increase its effectivewidth possibly with rods inserted to act as wedges, will have the sameeffect of locating the central panel against the edges of the frameelement 33.

A decorative additional frame element can be achieved by a separate flatsheet material of similar size to the combined frame and cut-out: theouter edges are folded inwards to form a 3D frame whose inner edge istucked under the flaps at the sides and also at the top, by means ofextended “lugs” into the flutes. The central cut-out area is availablefor use as a (coloured) backing in the transparent margin area or otheruse, such as a backing panel to the small supplementary frame. Flatdecorative strips can also be placed in the transparent margin, beingheld in place by the rods and/or frame element.

While elasticated hoops do not provide stable attachments, linearstructural members which use their elasticity to secure themselves, can,if sufficiently taut, generally perform their necessary blocking andsupport functions well enough not to be excluded as possible embodimentsof the invention, and can be achieved by someone with appropriateknowledge in ways other than as shown in the drawing as an example. Infact ties of any kind can be used, providing tautness can be achieved asfor instance with springs (inter-linking strings, straps, stiff rods, orother elements.) Where the resilience necessary for demountable assemblyis provided elsewhere, the connecting member, between hoops may also berigid, or stiff. The embodiments as described generally use resilientprimary (and secondary members) and are referred to as “rods”.

Resilience of the planar element (generally described as the displayscreen 2, but can also be the displayed item itself), will result incounter flexing of that element which is structurally acceptable butgenerally not functionally preferred. The definitive conditions of theinvention assume that the planar element can be rigid, as a flexibleplanar element can be inserted directly into a frame element 33.

Any resilient element can also be pre-formed into a curve so that theirdeformation into a straighter form will apply pressure instead of bydeforming a “flat” resilient member. Other elements may need to beadapted to fit these pre-formed elements.

Multiples can be made in generally obvious ways and ways set out inrelation to specific embodiments described below, and as may be appliedto other embodiments.

The rear pressure is also used for the location of the display item inthe case of a “display frame,” and the primary rear members also providethe basis for hanging vertically, and horizontal support.

The display screen 2 is not holed, but assumes a generally rectangulargeometry, or other shapes made to provide necessary “tongues” in placeof rectangular corners, as may be contained by hoops, or the frameelement 33 where present. In all cases the assemblage requires nogluing, welding, screws, nails or other permanent fixing. Another commonfeature is the ability to hang parallel to the wall, partly as a safetyfeature as this helps to protect hoops being dislodged by contact withthe wall.

Multiples are generally possible with frame extensions, continuousbacking sheets, and/or extension rods to link units together.

A further embodiment comprises front and rear rods 23,25,27,29 whichattach to the inside edge of the frame element 33 by means of slots orclefts in the ends of the rods 23,25,27,29 such that the frame element33 can be located within them. Since the rods 23,25,27,29 would, inprinciple, be able to slide in relation to the frame element 33 they arepassed through hooped elements 31 attached to the corners of the displayscreen 2 as usual, and they are prevented from rotating within thelocation slot, which is simply the same width as the minimum need toaccommodate the hoops in their angled position. There is no need for thewindow aperture of the frame element 33 to have an angled corner tosupport the hoop 31. The gap between the display screen 2 and the frameelement 33 is such that the rods 23,25,27,29 can meet the frame element33 in such a way that it can be rigid and not needing to deform to meetthe rods 23,25,27,29 but the rods will generally need to flex, (unlessnon-central end slots in large diameter rods and/or a flexible frameelement.) Rear rods 27,29 can still be diagonal or horizontal.Alternatively, hoops 31 are integral folded sections of frame element 33placed as usual.

A perceived improvement is for the rods 23,25,27,29 to attach directlyto the inside edge of the display screen 2 either by being accommodatedwithin it and being unable to slide so that a fluted frame structurecould be used. Rods 23,25,27,29 prepared with a groove in the ends canlocate onto the inside edge of the frame element 33 by resilientlyflexing. Though they may be tight fitting in principle they can slide,this can be prevented by using a corrugated material for the frameelement 33 preventing sliding in the most critical direction, and/orusing a corner hoop as in previous versions. A parallel sided gap, ofminimum width to accommodate the hoops 31 on the corners of the displayscreen 2, is adequate to ensure the hoops 31 cannot rotate off and thisgap allows space for the rods to deviate from the faces of the displayscreen 2 to meet the inside edge of the frame element 33, without theframe element needing to deform, as is generally the case when rods arelocated in holes in the front and rear of the frame element 33. Itfollows that the frame element 33 can be rigid in this version. To applyrear pressure for location of the display item 17, said item must belarge enough to be supported by the rear rods on the edge of the displayscreen 2 or use a backing element generally as large as the displayscreen 2 to transfer the pressure.

However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 curvature of theframe element 33 is less of a problem as the rear rods 27,29 are locatedin holes/recesses in the inside edge of the frame element 33. Indeed thepossible core (or laminate) structure of the frame, to present edge“holes”, is likely to give extra stiffness to the frame element 33.

Releasable security for the placement of the hoops 31 on the corners ofthe display screen 2 is thus provided by a mechanism which can be simplydescribed as rear pressure holding the display screen 2 in a positionrelative to the hoops 31 such that they may be attached or released bycountering that pressure. While a clip frame uses recesses in thebacking board to lock the clips in place the current invention blocksremoval of the corner hoops with the frame element.

More specifically, forwards pressure generated by rear rods 27,29 orstressed backing panel causes the display frame 1 to be located as farforwards as possible within the hoops 31 so that the angled inside edgeof the display frame becomes the fulcrum for rotation of the hoop is sothat the rotation radius is too short for the corner of the displayframe to escape the hoop. Continued application of force, pushes thehoop till the rear rim meets the rear rod at a point still further awayfrom the corner and so rotation about this point also fails to removethe hoop, unless the hoop is raised, as is generally not the case.

In order to rotate the hoop onto the corner of the display frame, duringassembly, it is necessary to position it adjacent to the angled edge ofthe frame element and press from behind so that the display screen nolonger maintains its forward relative position in which it blockedrotation of the hoop. The point of contact of the bottom rim of thehoop, with the rear rod will become a fulcrum, and giving the fulldiameter of the hoop opening as a rotational radius, which will cleanlypass the display screen. The mechanism could be described as a“restricted rotation mechanism”.

The hoops 31 have been found to be secure in practice, as well as easyto attach if lifted into position as described.

To achieve the above variant it is possible to use a hollow core plasticmaterial known as Corex. When cut this material will expose its hollowflute structure to provide holes in the edges of the frame element 33into which the (resilient) rods can be securely placed by flexing.

The backing sheet can be made of the same material, from the frameaperture. If rotated to an angle corresponding to that of the diagonalof the rectangle defined by the display (square or photo for instance)then one diagonal rear rod 27 can be placed within it, while the otherrod 29 provides extra pressure by passing over the backing panel 37. Tostop the panel sliding up along the flute when subject to self-weight inhanging mode, one or more elements such as standard metal paper clipscan be inserted via slots in the flute to exert pressure on the rodwithin. A central paper clip can be distorted to extend vertically tomake a hanging hoop, as well as hooking over the second rear rod. Edgesof the backing panel 37 can be folded up to provide spacers for parallelhanging, and these can be angled inwards by means of an elasticatedelement hooped around the exposed edges of the flaps, being partiallyresisted by the resilience of the material in achieving the foldedposition. Dye-cutting technology may obviate the need for an elasticelement, and the inward angle is not necessary except to minimise visualimpact from the front.

A vertical fold and cut in the lower flap will enable a section to befolded up to form a secondary flap so that a strut dimensioned toforcibly fit into a flute will extend downwards and outwards to enablethe frame to be set on a horizontal surface. The top of the foldedsection can meet the bottom of the central paper clip, or one insertedand twisted, as necessary, and the end of the strut can be chamfered tomeet the surface, to maximise stability.

Using Corex presents the possibility of applying both front and rearrods 27,29 directly into available flute ends, parallel or diagonally,so removing the need for hoops. In fact, in practice the flute size wasfound to be subject to variability which can significantly reduce thebearing in the case of rods being diagonal. Using hoops helps tomitigate in this respect, as for instance a mis-aligned rod (owing to anunfortunate position of a flute wall) can still be accommodated withinthe hoop, thus giving extra security for a compromised rod end.

It may be necessary therefore, in manufacture, to co-ordinate the windowwith the flute spacing so as to avoid this problem as far as possible.The display screen 2 can itself be located into the flute structure andmediated by hoops, optionally supported by rear/front rods, but thisrelies on elasticity within the Corex to insert opposite corners and assuch, is not preferred. Equally flexibility of the display screen willenable it to be inserted directly into grooves in the frame element 33,created by cutting along the flutes in the Corex structure. As analternative to Corex the frame element may be fabricated as a laminate,for instance, or any other way that will provide necessary recesses forthe assembly to be completed.

Other versions are proposed where, again, the rods pass directly intoholes in the front and rear of a resilient frame element 33. Such holeswill generally be near the corners of the display screen 2 but may bepart of a lattice structure, or repetitive pattern. Holes may also bemade in flaps in the frame element to accommodate rods or the corners ofthe display screen 2 itself, or both, (and said flaps may be resistantdue to the resilience of the material.)

The rods are primary pressure providing elements and generally made of aresilient material such as wood or plastic, but with obvious adaptationswhere necessary elastic materials can be used as the effects of theresilience of the rods can be recreated elastically and blockingfunctions may also be adequately met. Rear rods are generally “primary”and may thus be larger than the front rods which act as bolts. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 20-23 they must be strong enough for theirresistance to bending to provide enough forwards pressure to hold thedisplay screen 2 in a position where the corners will block rotationalrelease of the corner hoops 31. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-23the combined depth of the rear rod and the display screen 2 (plus anyintervening backing sheet 37 at the corner) must fit inside the hoop 31at the critical angle to allow it to rotate and such that surplus spaceas exists can be taken up by the mechanism keeping it in a position atthe back of the display screen where it will not enable the hoop to beslipped off. The cross section is not critical. A round section at therear and a smaller square section is preferred for the simple version,within the frame element 33. Such rods 27,29 need not pass through thehoops 31 but may pass into the frame element 33 directly or even to theopposite side of the frame element 33 through the gap between thedisplay screen 2 and the frame element 33.

Instead of being parallel or diagonal the rear rods 27,29 could eachdescribe a semicircular shape or any shape which permits their usualfunction.

Instead of generating pressure by flexing over each other, or a backingpanel, or other element, or causing a holed backing sheet 37 inresilient material to flex, the rear rods 27,29 may be pre-formed asbent resilient elements, also then able to apply pressure to the rear asthey are straightened into position.

Rods 27,29 may also be adapted with an impediment to the unintendedmovement of the hoop elements 31. A pin for instance, may be insertedinto the rod 27,29 behind the hoop element 31 to stop so that its headstops the hoop 31 rotating off the corner of the display screen 2, evenwhen pressure as would otherwise release it is applied, and this pin mayhave known (or other) means of itself being secured.

The display screen 2 is generally transparent (unless a mirror, or otherdisplay such as a clock, or lamp diffuser), generally stiff or rigid(may be flexible but then tending to reduce security), generallyrectangular but other regular or irregular shapes are possible, with asuitably adapted frame element 33 giving necessary support to hoops 31(if used). Clearly the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 20-23respectively, require hoops 31 to be located onto the display screenitself 2, yet other versions can use a circular display screen held byrods located in hoops which do not locate on the display screendirectly.

In theory a pre-formed, curved, display screen could be used to trap thedisplay item when flexed to a flatter form and so secure itself withinthe frame directly or within hoops rotated onto corners. Extra securitycould be provided, for instance, by small clips attached to the cornersof the display screen, outside the hoops to resist removal of the hoopsand the display screen can also be adapted with a built in impediment atthe corner.

The hoop may be a standard washer. The standard washer form is suitablewith rigid material providing greatest security but risk of damage todisplay screen so less harsh, stiff materials would be suitable also.Excess elasticity can result in insecurity/instability. Resilience inthe case of the integral hoop/strap element in the first variant isnecessary. Front rods acting as bolts will cause the hoops to sit in agenerally more upright position; otherwise they “lock” at angle inclinedaway from the centre of the ensemble (as their rotation about ahorizontal diagonal axis fails to clear the corner of the displayscreen.

Note that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-23 that inner rims of thehoops 31 lock, at two points, with the diverging sides of the displayscreen 2, so this contact occurs non-axially. The hoop 31 restricted byrod 27,29 is, in fact, locked onto the display screen 2.

The backing panel(s)/sheets 37 may include a secondary decorative sheet(or strips) visible in the transparent margin. May have a role indirectly applying pressure, by flexure, for display item location (ordisplay frame gripping mechanism, as described), in which case aresilient material should be used. A pre-formed bent sheet of materialable to apply pressure when straightened into place in the hoops 31 orframe element 33 can also be used to apply pressure for both location ofthe display item and to support any mechanism used to releasably holdthe display screen. The hanging system can then be integral to saidbacking sheet or otherwise affixed to it. The backing sheet may also beclear/translucent of a material the same or similar to the displayscreen 2. It may be the same material as the frame element 33 such asCorex, and thus made from the cut out material, possibly realigned.Flaps in the backing panel (or other attachments, such as suckers,) canensure parallel hanging on walls and an adapted flap enables a strut tobe deployed at the necessary angle. It is a feature of the design thatthe backing panel (if any) need not be prepared with any means (such asholes, grooves etc.) which are necessary for securing clips, as is thecase with known clip frames. The invention meets function bydiametrically opposing forces proved either by a stressed tensile tie orby the resistance of the frame element also operating diametrically, aswell as supporting the mechanism involved in securing hoops onto thedisplay frame in version 4.

Note that the invention can generally function without any backing sheet37 as rear rods 27,29 or ties, themselves provide pressure for locationof the display item 17 and other elements can provide means for hanging,(also provided by the cleft between diagonal rods) and parallel wallhanging.

The frame element 33 can be simply a sheet with slots (for location ofhoops 31,) or holes (for front and/or rear rods), and preferably a meansof access to adjust the position of the display item 17 behind thedisplay screen 2. In preferred versions the frame element 33 has awindow cut out from a resilient material.

In principle the frame element 33 is rigid and is involved in supplyinga diametrically opposing force (directly or as a resultant) to resist adisplacement force on the corner hoops. It may however adopt a curvedform. (see below).

Optional holes are provided in the corners or in the internal edges ofthe frame aperture. As such these may be provided using a hollow corefluted structure such as Corex which presents holes when cut across thegrain. These holes allow the display screen 2 to be supported outside ofthe plane of the frame element 33, and also to be gripped by amechanism. As anchor points for supporting rods they also help in theassembly process. However, a simple version uses a frame element whichrequires only the principal window aperture in the frame element.

The frame element 33 can be made of virtually any material and isessentially planar, but may be curved (pre-formed) or bent, and held ina flexed position by elements within the assemblage such as struts(mounted for instance as the rear support strut or rods or straps actingas ties. A curved form may be achieved by aligning the Corex fluteshorizontally and placing a pre-curved rod element within flute(s). Alength of stiff wire possibly hidden in a decorative tube (such as adrinking straw) would function as required. Slots cut in the Corexflutes would enable it to adopt a curved form with flutes runningvertically but this is not preferred, (as a greater degree of naturalflexibility runs with the grain).

Both the inner and outer edges of the frame element, providing hoops aresupported, so that it can have curved edges; it can be a circle, ellipseand many other shapes, including for instance irregular curves acrossthe grain, and straight sides with the grain, or “s” shapes for example,on all sides.

Holes or a “treasury tag” (with toggles inserted into the Corex flutes)can be used to provide a hanging facility, but the preferred system isto use a standard metal paper clip inserted into a central flute whereas in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-23, it also provides pressure tohelp secure the backing sheet, and can also trap the second rear rod asit twists up to the central hanging point. It can be removed to relievepressure during replacement of the display item.

It will also restrain the top of a folded flap housing the strut usedwhen self-supporting and can be twisted to improve this function, (or ofcourse another hoop instead.) It can also help secure the strut when ina stored position. Extra clips can be used for extra pressure asrequired.

A straight strut, preferably with a chamfered end to make contact withthe tabletop, can be forcibly housed in the Corex structure in flutes ina secondary flap in the backing panel, angled outwards and downwards, asshown. The changing exposed can be simply adjusted to change theinclined angle of the frame.

Similar struts can be used to push the central section of the frameelement back so that the frame becomes self supporting.

This can also be achieved by other means such as pre-curved stiffelements being inserted into flutes arranged horizontally, and othermeans such as large rods wedged between display screen and frameelement.

Alternatively the frame-like zone corresponding to the transparentmargin can be released to make a new frame, smaller than its “parent”and with angled corners, being suitable for use as an economy version orinclusion in a multi-frame, by means of rods run through the Corex tojoin units together in linear or chequer board patterns. It is alsopossible to join units together by means of a continuous backing sheet.Rods of circular section may be inserted into the flutes prepared withslots more easily and held in place by the resilience of the plasticflaps so formed. The panels thus created can be interlocked (also bycreating a standard hinge structure) to form folding screens, box stylelamps, waste paper bins etc or given their own feet to function asdisplay screens with or without the windows and display screens, asdescribed. The same construction can be used to combine the primaryCorex versions and indeed to provide feet and finials as decorativefeatures, incidentally causing the vertical edges of the frame elementto flex forwards.

A more elaborate version uses hollow section rods which are providedwith a slit so that they can embrace the, also slit, penultimate flutesof the frame element, and be held in place by the resilient flap of theframe flute pressing the “rod” into the said flute.

Note that similar hollow section rods can be fitted onto the edges ofthe display screen, with angled ends so that they are constrained inplace by the hoops. These also can have a decorative function.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-23 is assembled as follows:

The first rod 29 is placed in the Corex flute above the centre line ofthe backing panel 37 with hoops 31 attached and the (lower) end isinserted into the Corex at the corner of the frame element 33. Thesecond rod with hoops 33 attached is placed over the backing panel 37and similarly into the framing element 33. From the other side thedisplay screen 2 is placed so that the corners overlap the angledcorners of the frame element 33. The hoops 31 are then rotated intoposition, until all four corners are enclosed. It is preferable toposition the display item 17 at this stage prior to insertion of thepaper clip, or even with one or two hoops 31 undone to relieve pressure.Extra clips similarly inserted into the Corex or staples to engage therear rod(s) 27,29 can be used to prevent movement of the backing panel37 in larger embodiments.

Further steps to organise the rear for hanging/table top use are thencarried out, as described above. Front rods can also be deployed forextra security, if required.

Alternative arrangements of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 areshown in FIGS. 24 and 25. These arrangements have diagonal and parallelrear struts respectively and are not provided with a backing element.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 26 uses a hoop/frame composite such thatthe hoops are made by folding a flap up, down or round to the normalhoop position. As this hoop can resistantly meet the display screen, thefront security rods, become optional. The folded under flaps also act asspacers for parallel hanging.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 26. It is possible to dispensewith both rods if the hoops are self-supporting by being dynamicallyloaded as holes in folded back flaps from a framing element of resilientmaterial. These may be vulnerable and can be supported by other elementsas before.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 27 shows as front and rear rods penetratingeight holes in the frame element 33 which then blocked movement of thedisplay frame by contact with it and provides a potential clampingforce.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, if the hoops are not used both frontand rear rods are sufficient to block forward and backward movement ofthe planar display element, and still assuming a planar element of equaldimensions to the frame aperture, it cannot slide horizontally andvertically because these directions are blocked by the frame element asbefore. Even if the frame element is curved to become self-supporting(and the dimensional constraints being maintained in elevation) aminimal but effective bearing will be maintained in the corner. Thus itis only in the case where, only one set of rods is used, and the planarelement must therefore be larger than the effective frame aperture sousing the flanges of the frame element as restraining rods, wherein theplanar element is constrained by slots. The second pair of rods, in thepresent invention, ensures that curvature, or a stressed flat form, ismaintained by the scaffold and not the planar element, interacting withthe frame element.

Considering now the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.32 to 36. This embodiment is directed to a design for an economydemountable, flat packable, display frame, suitable for self assemblyand easy exchange of display items. The aim, at least in preferredarrangements, is to provide a means of securing displayed materialbehind a transparent screen and to provide a means of anchoring ahanging element for wall mounting and a support for table top mounting.The displayed material can be anything from art to a certificate;mirrors, lamps or electronic displays may also be accommodated. Theinvention comprises a structural system which can be extended to formmultiple two-dimensional units and also three-dimensional structures.

A one piece frame element is employed capable of restraining the displayscreen 2 on at least two parallel sides, (at least in the forwardsdirection relative to the frame element), and uses rods 27,29 on theother side (i.e. normally the rear) to block backward movement since therod ends are located in holes in the structure of the frame element 33.The frame element 33 could be drilled to provide these holes but using alinear box structure such as the polypropylene sheet known as “Corex”provides integral hollow tubes into which the rods 27,29 can beinserted. In fact instead of two parallel rods being used four shorterlengths as “pegs” could be used also pressing the display screen 2forward onto the frame, but this is not preferred. Either rods (or pegs)thus provide pressure to secure the displayed material against thedisplay screen 2.

Using Corex also provides a simple way of locating the display screen 2within the frame aperture since a grooved slot 41 can be achieved on twoparallel edges of the window aperture so that the display screen 2 canbe inserted. The alternative is to angle cut the window edge in a solidmaterial.

This requires either some elasticity in the material (which is limitedin Corex as found) and/or bendable display screen 2, and/or that thesides of the groove 1 b are designed as resiliently flexible flaps, asis envisaged in the preferred version.

For this reason, in the preferred arrangement, at least two ends of theflap sides of the groove 1 b are cut away to form an access slot 1 d,(so that the aperture form narrows to form the grooves). The displayscreen 2 can thus be inserted in a parallel motion. Depending ontolerances in the relative thicknesses of the display screen 2 and thedepth of the groove 1 b flexible plastic glass further helps in feedingthe display screen 2 into the combined slot created by both sides of theframing element 33 acting together.

The access slot 1 d can be expressed as a void at the top and bottom ofthe display screen 2, as in the illustrated version and the rods can beused to secure decorative components exposed contained within the slot(e.g. coloured twisted ribbon elements, not illustrated). Accordinglythe shape of the display screen 2 itself, given a square as the displayarea will be a rectangle. i.e. to achieve the bearing overlap.

On a practical level the access slot 1 d can be doubled in width bysliding the display screen up and down, thereby gaining greater accessspace to manipulate the position of the displayed material, and to slidethe primary locating rods in and out of their respective tubes in theframe element, so as to relieve pressure. As a minimum only the ends oftwo corresponding flaps on one side, such as the rear, need be cut awayto form an access slot. Movement of the rods can also be achieved byproviding “prods” of similar material to gain access from the outsideedge of the frame.

This minimal format can be used in conjunction with a backing panel alsoslotted into the frame aperture in the same way, and into which ahanging device can be incorporated, or indeed simply attached to theframe itself, so even the backing panel is not a vital element of theinvention and neither are the primary rods required for securing thebacking panel, or displayed material, in so far as stability of thedisplay item can be achieved by control of dimensional tolerances. (Itis envisaged that to avoid damage to the display item a backing sheetwould be necessary, ideally being inserted with the display material asa “sandwich”. In fact in all versions of the invention it is assumedthat the display item may comprise an integral backing sheet or panelfor extra protection.)

For extra security, especially on larger versions, and as an alternativeto, or in addition to, any restraining action in forward or backwarddirections by the frame element, a second set of two parallel rods 23,25(or four pegs) are located into the frame structure in the same way asthe rear rods 27,29. The rods are themselves held in place by beingflexed, and/or being dimensionally coordinated to fit snugly intorespective holes. For ease of assembly simply flexing the rods23,25,27,29 (as dimensionally necessary) over the display screen 2 iseffective but equally effective is causing them to resiliently flextowards each other by being passed through, appropriately selected,holes in a backing sheet, or back hanging plate.

In fact Corex can be used for this purpose, with rods 23,25,27,29 againbeing passed through the tubular structure.

Again for the table top version a folded and shaped piece of Corex canprovide a simple support 19 in a variety of forms including as envisageda long folded edge, parallel to the grain, such that adequate stiffnesscan be simply achieved. The strut element 19 can then be tucked underthe rear rods 27,29 if, as envisaged the ensemble is rotated 90 degreesfor table top presentation. Otherwise, for instance because a portraitformat is required, then the rear support can be tucked under the rearrods 27,29, and preferably shaped with two slots cut in the grain sothat it can be placed with the rods 27,29 in the slots so that thefolded section is held at an angle, thus making a firm support: theensemble can then be displayed at an incline, as normal for table-topframes.

Additionally, extra rods can be inserted into the (structure of) theframe element 33 next to the outer (vertical) edges, so that when sliddown, (or dimensionally extended), they act as feet, raising the framebase off the table-top, and thus, as a safety feature retracting at thetop. In wall-hanging or table-top made they are slid into a symmetricalposition. So that they are firmly held in place, but are not twodifficult to insert, the rear surface of the frame element 33 can be cutso that the rods can be pushed through the now slotted tube more easily.Clearly smaller rods would slip out from their position. The presence ofthese rods will likely cause a deformation of the frame element 33forwards at the affected edges, (which is considered visuallydesirable.)

Performance dictates therefore that the latter rods will be of a largergauge than the primary structural rods holding the display screen 2 inposition. The cross-sectional shape of the rods is not critical butsquare is preferred for the smaller primary rods and circular is morefunctional for outer rods.

However the larger rods are most suited to taking a primary role in theconstruction of multiple structures. Linear multiples are made simply byextending the rods. Three-dimensional multiples can be achieved by usingthe large edge rods as hinge bolts with frame elements cut at the edgesto form inter-locking panels. This format is envisaged as the basis fora lamp unit, for instance, (in table-top or wall-mounted mode.)

Suitable materials include Corex frame element, with Corex hangingplate, table-top support, or backing sheet, made from the cut out panelas convenient. The display screen 2 can be plastic glass and the rodscan be made of box wood or other structurally resilient and reliablematerial. In fact any materials can be used that meet the functionalrequirements.

A cut-out frame 1 with front and rear flaps 1 c on two sides of theaperture accommodates a display screen 2. The preferred cut out shape toease insertion of the display screen 2 cuts away the flaps of the groove1 b to create a wider section at least at one end 1 d (but both ends inpreference for symmetry when rotated). Again for ease of assembly, thetransparent screen is dimensioned (optionally) so that, when inposition, in its “grooves” 1 b, it does not occupy the access slot 1 dwhereby it was inserted into the frame aperture. (The ends of the slot 1d can be shaped for stylistic effect, but not illustrated.) This alsomakes insertion of the rods 3 easier. They locate the displayed material2 d and can easily moved to make changing displays easier.

The rear rods 3 are inserted into the tubular cavities in the frameelement 1. For non-transparent Corex the rods may extend beyond theoutside edges of the frame to ensure bearing is achieved. Said rods arethemselves held in place by being flexed together by passing through aCorex back/hanging panel 5, (with central hole) 8, also causing flexure.An improved back panel 6 is scored and folded 9, and prepared with slots7 to engage the rods, such that firmness can be achieved and theensemble displayed at an incline on a table-top 10. Also, in preferenceto a simple hanging hole, the back panel is prepared with slots/holescut in the rear outer surface to accommodate a hanging string withtoggle ends for which a standard paper tie is suitable. (In this way thedisplayed material is still protected from direct contact with the wallhook.)

To achieve a pair of feet for the table top version, as well as animproved structural component for multiple versions (not illustrated),and a more robust and finished look, a pair of larger rods 11, arepushed into slotted tubes 11 b, at the edge of the framing element 1.They can be adjusted for length, by sliding in the tubes, depending onformat. Though likely to be a default feature, they are not functionallynecessary for the basic model of the invention.

The drawings also show the option of extra front rods 4. (These areshown as FIGS. 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, and 4 b.) These may optionally be locatedover the groove 1 b in which the display screen 2 sits. As with the rearrods the Corex offers flexible choice in this respect to suit thedisplayed material.

Also the display screen which would normally be a horizontal rectanglefor a square image can be rotated so that it does not sit in the sidegrooves but relies on a pair of front rods to be secure. A smallerrectangular image can then be accommodated in the standard frame forsquare format, by re-locating the rear rods 3, and front rods 4.

The drawings show a portrait format in the wall-hanging version: toachieve a landscape format the ensemble can simply be rotated 90degrees, or a separate differently proportioned version of the inventioncan be made. (Larger wall-mounted versions are more suited to“landscape” as a default format.)

1. An assembly for mounting a display item, the assembly comprising asheet element and at least one elongate member, the at least oneelongate member being attached to the edge of the sheet element at firstand second points; wherein, in use, the at least one elongate memberretains the display item in position.
 2. An assembly as claimed in claim1 wherein the first and second points along the edge of the sheetelement are at opposed corners of the sheet element.
 3. An assembly asclaimed in claim 2 wherein the corners are diametrically opposed.
 4. Anassembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of elongate elementsare provided and at least two of said elongate elements cross eachother.
 5. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least oneelongate member is a strap.
 6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 whereinat least one end of the strap is provided with an opening for receivinga corner of the sheet element to attach the elongate element to the edgeof the sheet element.
 7. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein atleast one end of the strap is provided with an attachment device forattaching the strap to the edge of the sheet element.
 8. An assembly asclaimed in claim 7 wherein said attachment device is a bracket locatableon an edge of said sheet element
 9. An assembly as claimed in claim 5wherein the at least one strap is twisted along its length.
 10. Anassembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a frame elementextending around the circumference of the sheet element.
 11. An assemblyas claimed in claim 10 wherein an aperture is formed in said frameelement and said sheet element is located in said aperture.
 12. Anassembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the attachment of the sheetelement to the at least one elongate member fixedly locates the sheetelement relative to the frame element.
 13. An assembly as claimed inclaim 10 wherein at least one end of the at least one elongate member isfixedly attached to the frame element.
 14. An assembly as claimed inclaim 10 wherein at least one elongate member extends in front of thesheet element and at least one elongate element extends behind saidsheet element to tray said sheet element in position.
 15. An assembly asclaimed in claim 10 wherein at least one of said elongate members isprovided with at least one mounting element, said at least one mountingelement engaging an edge of said sheet element to attach it to saidelongate member.
 16. An assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein eachmounting element has an opening therein through which an associatedelongate member extends.
 17. An assembly as claimed in claim 16 whereinan edge of the sheet element is located in each said opening to attachthe sheet element to the elongate member.
 18. An assembly as claimed inclaim 15 wherein said mounting element is rotatable about an axisperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member tofacilitate attachment of the sheet element to the elongate member. 19.An assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein said at least one mountingelement is a hoop.
 20. An assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein saidat least one mounting element is a hollow truncated cone.
 21. Anassembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein said mounting element isL-shaped and engages an edge of said sheet element.
 22. An assembly asclaimed in claim 15 wherein at least one recess is provided in saidframe element to accommodate each mounting element.
 23. An assembly asclaimed in claim 10 wherein the frame element restrains the sheetelement on at least two sides.
 24. An assembly as claimed in claim 23wherein said at least two sides are parallel.
 25. An assembly as claimedin claim 10 wherein the sheet element is located in substantially thesame plane as the frame element.
 26. An assembly as claimed in claim 10wherein the elongate member is a strut.
 27. An assembly as claimed inclaim 10 wherein the frame element is curved in cross-section.
 28. Anassembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein said curvature of the frameenables the frame to rest in an upright position on a horizontalsurface.
 29. An assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein said curvatureof the frame is caused by bowing at least one of said elongate members.30. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an elasticatedmember to retain at least one of said elongate members in position. 31.An assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of elongatemembers.
 32. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display itemis situated between the sheet element and the at least one elongatemember.
 33. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, further comprising atleast one mounting element in the form of a hoop, wherein the or eachhoop is formed by folding a flap of the frame element up, down or roundto engage with an edge of the sheet element and the at least oneelongate member.
 34. An assembly comprising a frame element, a sheetelement and a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member beingattached to the edge of the sheet element at first and second points;wherein at least one elongate member extends in front of said frameelement and at least one elongate member extends behind said frameelement to mount said sheet element in said frame element.
 35. Anassembly comprising a sheet element, a frame element and at least oneelongate member, the at least one elongate member being mounted on theframe element and being attached to the corners of the sheet element atfirst and second points.
 36. An assembly as claimed in claim 35 furthercomprising at least one attachment device located on the at least oneelongate member to attach the sheet element to the at least one elongatemember.
 37. An assembly comprising a frame element, a sheet element andat least one elongate member, wherein said at least one elongate memberextends across the front of the sheet member to retain the sheet memberin position relative to said frame element.
 38. An assembly as claimedin claim 37 wherein the at least one elongate member is inserted throughtwo holes provided in the frame member and extends in front of the sheetelement to retain it in position.
 39. An assembly as claimed in claim 34wherein said sheet element is a display item, for example a mirror, aclock, a lamp or a tile with a picture provided thereon.
 40. An assemblyfor mounting a display item, the assembly comprising a sheet element anda retaining member, the display item being locatable between the sheetelement and the retaining member; wherein, in use, the retaining memberis attached to the corners of the sheet element to retain the displayitem in position.
 41. An assembly for mounting a display item, theassembly comprising a sheet element, a frame element and at least afirst and second elongate member, the first elongate member beingprovided in front of the sheet element and the second elongate memberbeing provided behind the sheet element, the elongate members beingattached to each other and the ends of the elongate members engaging theframe member to mount the sheet member.
 42. An assembly as claimed inclaim 41 wherein the ends of the elongate members are located in atleast one recess provided in the frame member so as to engage said framemember.
 43. An assembly as claimed in claim 41 wherein a mountingelement is provided to engage at least one corner of the sheet element.44. An assembly as claimed in claim 41 wherein the frame element iscorrugated and the ends of the elongate members are each received in arecess in said corrugations.
 45. An assembly as claimed in any precedingclaim wherein the sheet element is transparent, partially transparent ortranslucent.
 46. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim furthercomprising a stand element for supporting the display frame on ahorizontal surface.
 47. A kit of parts for making an assembly as claimedin any preceding claim.